Determination of soil mineral content and analysis of collards leaves grown in Brasília

Abstract

Collard is a food with a high content of vitamins and minerals, fundamental for the human diet. However, information on the influence of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in its composition during cultivation is still scarce. The objective of this work was to quantify the minerals in collard leaves produced in the Federal District (DF), Brazil: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium and iron, correlating with the present soil contents. Leaf and soil samples were collected in 16 different rural properties in the Federal District, in which questionnaires were also applied on the cultural practices adopted during plant growing. The average foliar contents per 100 g of fresh leaves were: calcium, 222.8 mg; iron, 1.3 mg; magnesium, 37.6 mg; and zinc, 0.6 mg. This composition meets 28% of daily calcium requirements in children aged from 4 to 8 years: 13% iron, 29% magnesium and 13% zinc, based on the consumption of 100 g of fresh collard leaves. Negative correlation was verified for magnesium contents in soil and leaf, with R = -0.69. A significant correlation was not verified for the other analyzed minerals. Phosphorus and potassium contents in soils were considered high while, contradictorily, low concentrations of magnesium were found. The foliar micronutrients contents were considered low and suggests for an inadequate management of the fertilization, factor corroborated by the answers of the cultural practices questionnaires. Management practices that lead to nutrient balance in soil reflect directly on soil-plant interaction. Up-to-date regional recommendations on soil fertilization and correction could assist farmers and technicians, directly reflecting the achievement of more balanced levels of micro and macro nutrients in vegetables.

Keywords:
Brassica oleracea var. acephala; Soil fertilization; Nutritional composition